The technology industry could generate up to $800 billion in value by 2030 if companies adopt nature-positive practices and reduce the negative impact of their operations and supply chains, according to a report released by the World Economic Forum (WEF).
This forms part of a wider $10.1 trillion business opportunity that could be unlocked if nature-positive solutions are embraced across the private sector.
The report, titled Nature Positive: Role of the Technology Sector, developed in partnership with Oliver Wyman, shows that over half of the potential value could come from upstream activities in energy and extractives, including the expansion of renewable energy, improved resource recovery, and circular approaches to electronics and appliance manufacturing. A further third is expected from infrastructure and the built environment, such as energy-efficient buildings, smart metering, sustainable construction, and wastewater reuse. The remainder comes from nature restoration, sustainable land use, and energy-efficiency initiatives enabled by digital technologies.
While the tech sector is growing rapidly, powered by artificial intelligence, cloud computing, high-performance electronics, and innovations like quantum computing, the report highlights that this growth carries significant environmental costs. These include high water consumption, waste generation, greenhouse gas emissions, land use pressures, and heavy reliance on mined resources. For instance, semiconductor production consumes more than 1 trillion litres of water annually, while global data centres draw over 60 gigawatts of power, more than California’s peak electricity demand. The industry also produces over 60 billion kilogrammes of e-waste each year, less than a quarter of which is currently recycled.
“By integrating nature into business models, companies can manage risks more effectively and gain a competitive edge,” said Pim Valdre, Head of Climate and Nature Economy at the WEF.
The report recommends seven practical actions across areas such as water management, waste reduction, land use, greenhouse gas emissions, energy efficiency, supply chain responsibility, and policy engagement. Innovations like liquid cooling for data centres could cut emissions by up to 21%, while circular material recovery initiatives can reduce emissions by as much as 95% compared with virgin mining.
Nick Studer, President and Chief Executive Officer of Oliver Wyman, noted, “The tech sector has a unique chance to lead in economic growth while advancing the nature-positive transition, but urgent action is needed.”
The report also warns that community concerns have slowed or blocked data centre developments in recent years, underlining the need for companies to engage responsibly with local stakeholders and regulators.
Part of the Nature Positive Transitions Sector Series, the study examines how industries depend on and impact nature, offering strategies for reducing environmental harm, increasing resilience, and creating new business opportunities.
The findings were unveiled ahead of the World Economic Forum’s 56th Annual Meeting, scheduled from January 19 to 23, 2026 in Davos-Klosters, Switzerland, where global leaders from business, government, civil society, and academia will convene under the theme A Spirit of Dialogue.
–ChannelAfrica/WEF–
